WINES BY EL REGRESO

THE STORY

Julián Ruiz’s connection to wine started early, spending time with his grandfather in the vineyards and cellar. Those years gave him a practical understanding of the yearly cycle of vineyard work and left a lasting connection to the land.

After university, Julián moved to China and spent more than ten years working in the wine trade. He later returned to Albacete and founded El Regreso, a name that reflects both his own return home and a renewed link with the vineyards and traditions he grew up around.

THE VINEYARDS

Based in Manchuela, El Regreso focuses strongly on local and lesser-known grape varieties that have gradually disappeared from many vineyards. Julián works with grapes including Marisancho, Tardana, Royal, Jacivera and Moravia Agria.

The aim is to let each variety show its own character and its connection to the region, rather than forcing them into a single house style.

IN THE CELLAR

Fermentations begin naturally with native yeasts, and the cellar work stays deliberately restrained. Nothing is added or removed unless necessary, and different vessels are chosen depending on the wine.

Julián works with stainless steel, concrete, amphorae and old wooden barrels, using each material as a supporting tool rather than something that should dominate the grapes. The result is a range of lively, delicate wines that combine local varieties with a contemporary interpretation of Manchuela.